Multiply an entire column by one number

Assuming the first "number in column A" is in A2, and cell B1 is available to hold the 0.08 value (8%) That each of the numbers in column A is to be multiplied by:

• Click on cell B2 to select it.
• Press = to open the Formula Editor.
• In the editor, enter this formula: A2*B$1

Numbers will immediately replace the * with a multiplication sign.

• Click the green checkmark button to confirm the formula and close the editor.
• Put a number in A2 and 0.08 in B1, and you should now see the result in B2.

Step 2: Fill the formula down column B into the rest of the rows containing numbers in column A.

• With B2 selected, hover the pointer near the bottom of that cell.
• When the Fill Control (small yellow filled circle) appears on the bottom boundary of B2, place the pointer on it, press the mouse button (or trackpad) to grab the Fill Control, and drag it down the column to the last row containing a number in column A.

Done.

Regards,

Barry

"Now my problem is that all of the newly multiplied numbers need to go into the A column and I cannot copy them over without getting a red triangle."

To transfer the calculated values in column B into column A, do this:

• Select the cells containing the formula and displaying the new values in column B.
• Press command-C to Copy those cells and their calculated values to the Clipboard. The copy will also include the formula in each cell.
• Select cell A2 (the first cell that is to receive those values (but not the formulas).
• Click the Edit menu, then choose (click) Paste Formula results.

The new prices, stripped of the formula will be pasted into each cell, replacing the value that was there before.

• IF you expect to make a similar price change in the foreseeable future, delete the value in B1, leaving it empty, then Hide column B until you next need it. When you next need to make an 'all item' price adjustment by raising or lowering all prices by the same percentage, Unhide column B, Enter the percentage in B1 (with a minus sign in front of it if you are reducing the prices), then repeat the steps above with the new 'new prices.'

Regards,

Barry